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Netanyahu meets with US military chief Dempsey in Jerusalem

Dempsey’s visit focused on Iran, bilateral military cooperation between Israel and USA as well as growing threats in region

Dempsey & Netanyahu Thursday (Amos Ben Gershom)

Prime Minister Netanyahu met with United States Chairman of Joint Chief off Staffs Gen. Martin Dempsey Thursday afternoon, after meeting with Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon on Tuesday and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Wednesday. He arrived in Israel on Monday for his sixth and final official visit to Israel, assuring ties between the State of Israel and the United States.

Upon his arrival, Dempsey stated that “I am happy to back in Israel. I am here to gain a better understanding with our counterparts in the IDF, of the threats and security challenges, and of what we can do to address them.” His visit was centered on Iran, bilateral military cooperation between Israel and the United States as well as security challenges in the region.

Addressing the press, Netanyahu took the opportunity to thank Dempsey for his “friendship” with the State of Israel, stating, “You’ve been a wonderful friend and a grand champion of America and of America-Israel relation. We appreciate it. I want to take this opportunity to also express our respect and deep admiration for America’s fighting men and women.”

Netanyahu added, “We know you’re extended around the world, including in our region. We know we have no better friends than the American people, the American governments, the American fighting men and women. You fight for America, but you also fight for freedom.”

Dempsey responded that, “The greatest gift has been the friendship that we’ve managed to forge with the leaders in the IDF, and I know you’re proud of them but we are too. It’s our constitution, and you know that that’s what inspires us as I know service to your nation inspires you.”